Free Agency Preview: Quarterbacks

Over the next several days leading up to the launch of the 2014 League Year on Tuesday, March 11, vikings.com will unveil its 2014 Free Agency Preview. NFL.com has ranked the top 100 free agents in this year’s class, and our preview will use those rankings to set the stage. As always, we encourage readers to use the space below the story to submit their thoughts.

While it can be debated which was more costly for the Vikings in 2013 between late-game defense and quarterback play, what is not being debated is that the Vikings are in search for a long-term answer at quarterback.

Christian Ponder remains on the roster and will compete to be the guy, but both Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman are scheduled to become free agents on Tuesday. That leaves the Vikings with options when it comes to filling out the offseason quarterback depth chart, and the first opportunity to add talent will be free agency.

NFL.com’s Top 10 Free Agent QBs (overall ranking)

1. Michael Vick (32)His name has the most sizzle because he’s the most accomplished passer and has been one of the League’s best playmakers over his career. But he’s also been injured, and has started 13 games in a season just once since 2009.

2. Josh McCown (76)McCown held it together quite well for the Bears in Jay Cutler’s stead last season, which is what will draw several teams to McCown on the market this month.

3. Matt Cassel (80) 4. Josh Freeman (86) 5. Chad HenneHenne has played six seasons in the NFL for the Dolphins and Jaguars, and has started double-digit games in a season four times. He’s never had a season passer rating above 79.0, but he’s also never been in a stable situation with a full complement of playmakers for an extended period of time.